Historic Walking Trail Opens in Columbia

The “What Was Here” walking trail in Columbia, Ala., sponsored by the Columbia Historical Society, is opening in April 2014.

Beginning at 10 a.m. each Saturday in April (5, 12, 19, 26), in conjunction with the State of Alabama’s “2014 April Walking Tours,” guided tours by a town historian will give participants a unique perspective of historic Columbia.

Stops along the trail include the site of the Anglin Brothers bank robbery, a college, the old Henry County Courthouse, a livery, several hardware shops and general stores and various law offices. The approximately 70 historic sites throughout Columbia date from the early 1800’s to the mid 1900’s.

The Saturday tours will begin at the Columbia Historical Society’s building on Main Street (formerly the Bank of Columbia) in downtown Columbia, and admission is free.

Additionally, trail participants who wish to view the historic sites on their own may do so at any time. Maps and directions will be available beginning April 5 in the Walking Trail Welcome Area located behind the historic bell next to the Columbia Historical Society’s building.

The guided and self-guided tours will take 60-90 minutes to complete.

Work began on this walking trail in 2009 and was completed in 2014 through the generous donations of individuals, businesses and organizations.